a. Close release valve finger-tight by turning knob near hose end of pump clockwise.

b. Hold pump in any position, horizontal to vertical with hose end down.

c. Release valve for lowering load by turning knob near hose end of pump counterclockwise.

IV. APPLICATIONS FOR THE PORTO-POWER (1-4)

A. The Porto-power is a device used primarily to displace members of a wrecked motor vehicle. By exerting a force between two members of a wreck, one or both will generally distort or displace allowing better access to an entangled victim.

B. The most widely used accessory for the porto-power is the spreader or wedgie. The device allows a good deal of displacement with application of force. Most spreaders or wedgies are levered so that cylinder ram travel is amplified. Of course, when this is the case there is reduction of force at the tips.

C. The hydraulic hose and couplings are generally selfsealing ball and needle connectors to limit the amount of hydraulic fluid lost during connection and disconnection and the amount of air entering the system. Usually the ball is spring mounted and must be displaced by the needle before the couplers mate. After the couplings are attached, they must be secured by tightening the coupling nut so that the system will not leak.

D. To use the porto-power, there must be an adequate amount of hydraulic oil supplied to the pump. If this is present, the pressure release valve must be closed, usually by turning a relief valve clockwise until it seats.

E. Use Tips

1. There should always be at least two persons operating the device, one with the ram to monitor the

progress, the other with the pump.

2. When using the spreaders to pop open a door, remember that the door will release only after

considerable stress is placed on the vehicle frame. When the door finally does open, it does so

with much force. The pump operator should lean against the door to reduce the violence of the

door opening. The pump operator should be positioned behind the jaw operator and slightly to the

side away from the swing of the door. The jaws tend to move out of their position if the members

being stressed do not distort or displace. The handclosest to the tips should be placed on top of the

cylinder, palm down. The other hand, placed at the other end of the cylinder, palm up. By doing

this, should the jaws jump out they will be directed down toward the ground, from the face and

torso.

3. Air in the system or low oil supply will cause the porto-power's force to be greatly diminished. Any

leakage around the ram cylinder seals or pump packing will reduce the power also. To remedy this,

bleed off the air in the system, as with hydraulic brakes in cars. Pump the ram to full extension

without applied load, placing the pump and hydraulic fluid reservoir at a level above the cylinder.

This allows the air bubbles in the system to rise toward the highest point (the reservoir). Leave the

pressure release closed for 2 - 3 minutes. Then apply load to the ram and open the release the

valve allowing the ram to rapidly retract, forcing the hydraulic fluid and air bubbles into the

reservoir, if this is done two or three times, and the reservoir is full of fluid, as recommended, the

ram should work properly.

4. Some porto-powers have provisions for the reservoir to be vented during pump operation that

prevents a possible partial vacuum from being formed in the reservoir when the fluid is drawn

through the pump.

5. It is important that as much of the “dead” empty space be filled in before force is exerted. The most

efficient pushing force of a ram’s travel is within the first half of its extended length, and if that travel

is simply “taking out the slack" between two points in a wreckage, much more effort will be

required. To let off the pressure - insert cribbing blocks to stabilize the load and slowly open the

pressure release valve.

6. Wooden blocks (preferably oak 4" x 4" blocks) can be used to crib or cross-block and support

the displaced or moved mass in case of system failure. In addition, as the amount of travel

increases, the mass supported becomes more unstable, making secondary support necessary.

F. Displacing a Steering Column

1. Removal of the steering column should be accomplished by pushing the column rather than pulling

due to the possibility of tilt steering columns or the steering columns on front-wheel drive vehicles

coming back into the passenger compartment.

2. Attach flat base to bottom of ram cylinder.

3. Attach female to male adapter to plunger.

4. Measure distance between rocker panel or seat bracket to bottom of steering column and insert

necessary extensions using lock-on connectors, as needed.

5. Put 90-degree V-wedge on extension to secure it to steering column.

6. Make sure ram is pushing at a right angle to the steering column to minimize ram slipping as

pressure is applied.

7. Hold pump in hands with hose downward, close relief valve, and begin pumping slowly while

watching column movement.

8. Cease pumping when sufficient space has been achieved for the rescue

G. Partial Roof Removal

1. Use cutting tools such as a hacksaw or a reciprocating saw to cut the posts

2. Cut a notch approximately three inches deep on each side of the roof near the beginning of the

Cpost.

3. Attach flat base to bottom of ram cylinder.

4. Attach female to male adapter to plunger.

5. Measure distance between rocker panel to bottom edge of the roof near the A-post and insert

necessary extensions using lock-on connectors, as needed.

6. Put 90-degree V-wedge on extension to secure it to the roof edge.

7. Make sure that ram is pushing at a right angle to the roof to minimize ram slipping as pressure is

applied.

8. Hold pump in hands with hose downward, close relief valve, and begin pumping slowly while

watching roof movement.

9. Cease pumping when the roof in a position where it can be pulled back with ropes attached to the

4. Pass chain around door already been forced open and secure so that it will not slip as door is

pulled. This is best accomplished with single piece of chain.

5. Pass chain through holes on double chain plate and attach in respective slots on single chain plate.

6. Using another piece of chain, wrap chain around frame member under vehicle.

7. Pass chain back to ram and secure in respective slots in double chain plate.

8. Take up slack in chains and make necessary adjustments so that chain pulls evenly.

9. Hold pump in hands with hose downward, close relief valve, and begin pumping slowly while

watching seat movement. Movement of plunger pulls chain rather than pushes. Be aware that shock

absorber bumpers or air bags may activate if pressure is applied to bumper.

10. Monitor door movement to observe that the chain is not slipping from the door.

The instructor should show any of those items in the terminology section that are available and how they are attached. The instructor should also demonstrate the various techniques and applications. The students should then be given an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the classroom material and demonstrations.

Depending upon the size of the group, more than one set of equipment and additional vehicles may be required. There should also be adequate instructional resources to maximize safety and minimize tool damage. Summarize the material in the lesson and discuss the lessons learned from the practical session.

SUMMARY:

Review:

The safety precautions associated with the use of porto-powers should be stressed. The potential for a difference between the pump and attachments should also be stressed so that the student better understands the capabilities and limitations of the system.

Porto-Power Operation and Use

• Introduction to hydraulically powered tools

• Components of a porto-power

• Operation of the porto-power

• Practical applications

Remotivation:

Stress the importance of regular maintenance of equipment, practice, and a general understanding of the uses and limitations of the various components of the porto-power system.